Changes leave some MPs ‘without a voice’
MPS HAVE complained of being disenfranchised as the Government pushed ahead with plans to scrap remote voting in the House of Commons.
Queues of MPs waiting to vote snaked around Parliament yesterday as a two-metre distance had to be maintained between members who must now turn up to vote in person.
But those who had been told to stay at home for medical reasons, including Huddersfield’s Barry Sheerman, said the move left some MPs without a voice.
Mr Sheerman, who has the longest record of continuous service as an MP, said he was “deeply disappointed” at not being able to take part in debates and vote.
While York Central’s Labour MP Rachael Maskell tweeted: “Voting is completely unsafe. This is how infections spread.”
Hull North’s Dame Diana
Johnson said: “I have asthma, so I’m not participating in this vote today. I’m going to wait and see what happens and whether the Government relents and introduces electronic voting to ensure MPs from all around the UK, who are perhaps older, or perhaps shielding, or have health issues or childcare issues, can participate fully at Westminster.”
Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg said he would table a motion today which would enable MPs unable to attend Parliament on medical grounds to take part in certain proceedings.
MPS WERE forced to join a half-amile long queue yesterday to vote in the House of Commons as virtual sittings came to an end.
There were chaotic scenes as the queue snaked from the Commons chamber through Westminster Hall, and running to Portcullis House, the newer part of the parliamentary estate.
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and his officials were left repeatedly shouting instructions at MPs as social distancing measures required them to join the queue, keep two metres apart, walk through the Commons chamber and announce their vote.
It came as the Government dropped procedures which allowed MPs to vote online and speak remotely via Zoom, thereby requiring them to appear in person to take part.
Conservative Karen Bradley, who chairs the Procedure Committee, moved an amendment to keep remote voting in place in the
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to dallying MPs.
coming weeks, with several Conservative MPs rebelling to support the proposal.
But it was defeated by 185 votes to 242, majority 57, following a 46-minute division despite a number of Conservative rebels voting for the amendment.
Among them were Calder Valley’s Craig Whittaker, Colne Valley’s Jason McCartney, Brigg and Goole’s Andrew Percy, and Cleesthorpes’ Martin Vickers.
MPs later approved the Government’s motion to only allow them to vote in person by 261 votes to 163, majority 98.
After Ms Bradley’s amendment to the Government’s motion was pushed to a vote, Sir Lindsay said the queuing system would continue as it is the “only method that is compatible” with Government-set requirements and those from Public Health England.
As some MPs dallied, Sir Lindsay could be heard telling them: “Why are we not keeping up? There are other members waiting.”
Some MPs also appeared confused at the new voting procedures. Some Conservative MPs attempted to exit the chamber via the wrong door, despite being told moments earlier which way to go.
DUP MP Jim Shannon (Strangford) initially walked up to the “noes” column, before correcting himself and walking through the “ayes” section.
Several MPs, including Leeds North West’s Alex Sobel, wore face coverings as they made their votes.
During the debate, Sir Lindsay appealed for “a bit of give and take” from the Government and opposition parties to ensure all MPs can continue to vote.
Commons Leader Jacob ReesMogg said he would table a motion today which would enable
MPs unable to attend Parliament on medical grounds to take part in certain proceedings, including questions, urgent questions and ministerial statements.
Mr Rees-Mogg said: “The stopgap of a hybrid Parliament was a necessary compromise during the peak of the virus, but by not being here the House has not worked effectively on behalf of constituents.”
He added he expects “teething problems”, adding it will be “some time before our proceedings are fully restored”.
Caroline Nokes, Tory chairwoman of the Women and Equalities Committee, branded the proposed measures “discriminatory”.
Why are we not keeping up? There are other members waiting.